(1 of )Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry waits to congratulate Cleveland Cavaliers players with Andre Iguodala after losing Game 7 in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(2 of )Stephen Curry and Draymond Green talk it over in the locker room after being beat by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89 in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(3 of )Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James is fouled by Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green late in the fourth quarter of their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(4 of )Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry waits to congratulate Cleveland Cavaliers players following his team's Game 7 loss in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(5 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' Richard Jefferson steals the ball from Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(6 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James blocks a shot attempt by Golden State Warriors' Leandro Barbosa, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(7 of ) Golden State Warriors' Harrison Barnes dunks the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(8 of ) Golden State Warriors' Festus Ezeli defends against Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(9 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry saves a ball from going out of bounds against Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(10 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James passes the ball against the defense of Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(11 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green and Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love get tangled under the basket, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(12 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks the ball after getting past Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(13 of ) Golden State Warriors' Andre Iguodala fouls Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(14 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green flexes after making a basket and getting the foul call against the Cleveland Cavaliers, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(15 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green gets between Stephen Curry and Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James as they have words after James blocked Curry's shot, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(16 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green defends against Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(17 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry sits along the sidelines, in front of Cleveland Cavaliers' head coach Tyronn Lue, after being fouled, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(18 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry can't connect on three-point attempt over Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(19 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James celebrates his team's win over the Golden State Warriors with teammate Dahntay Jones after their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(20 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry waits to congratulate Cleveland Cavaliers players following his team's Game 7 loss in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(21 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry congratulates Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love following the Warriors loss in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(22 of ) Golden State Warriors' Shaun Livingston lets out a yell after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(23 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry lays the ball up against Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(24 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James blocks a layup attempt by Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(25 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry sinks a three-pointer from the corner against the Cleveland Cavaliers, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(26 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James is fouled by Golden State Warriors' Leandro Barbosa as he goes to the basket, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(27 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry guards Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(28 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving is fouled by Golden State Warriors' Anderson Varejao as he goes to the basket against Klay Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(29 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green defends against Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(30 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green is fouled in the act of shooting a three-pointer by Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(31 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green dishes off a pass against Cleveland Cavaliers' Richard Jefferson and Kevin Love, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(32 of ) Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green forces Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James to miss a shot under the basket, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(33 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry puts up a shot in front of Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(34 of ) Golden State Warriors' Andre Iguodala can't finish under the basket while guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers' J.R. Smith, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(35 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry misses his last three-point attempt of the game against Cleveland Cavaliers' Iman Shumpert, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(36 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry waits to congratulate Cleveland Cavaliers players with Andre Iguodala after losing Game 7 in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(37 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James is fouled by Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green late in the fourth quarter of their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(38 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James passes the ball while defended by Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(39 of ) Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson passes the ball around Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(40 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving passes around the defense of Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(41 of ) Golden State Warriors' Shaun Livingston goes up for a dunk against Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(42 of ) Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson lose Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving on a screen set by J.R. Smith, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(43 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James shoots over Golden State Warriors defenders Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(44 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James writhes in pain after being fouled by Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, during their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(45 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James blows a kiss to his family after winning the NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(46 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James hugs Mo Williams after winning the NBA Championships over the Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(47 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James hoists the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(48 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James holds up the MVP trophy and Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

(49 of ) Andre Iguodala question a foul in the third quarter during game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(50 of ) Harrison Barnes takes a moment in the locker room after the Warriors were beat by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89 in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(51 of ) Early in the game Draymond Green celebrated a three pointer against the Cleveland during game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(52 of ) J.R. Smith drops on the ball after the Cavaliers beat the Warriors, 93-89 in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(54 of ) Richard Jefferson rushes to comfort LeBron James late in the fourth quarter after he was fouled during game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. Despite the injury LeBron sank 1 of 2 free throws to give the Caaliers a four point win over the Warriors. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(55 of ) Draymond Green attempts to block a shot on LeBron James in the third quarter during game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(56 of ) Kyrie Irving of Cleveland scores two during the fourth quarter in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(57 of ) LeBron James question a foul call late in the fourth quarter during game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(58 of ) Kyrie Irving of Cleveland draws Klay Thompson and Anderson Varejao off balance as he scores two during the fourth quarter in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(59 of ) Monty McCutchen calls a foul on Curry in the second quarter on Stephen Curry of the Warrior during game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(60 of ) Draymond Green muscles it up after driving the lane, making a shot and being fouled by J.R. Smith in the process during the Warriors 93-89 loss to Cleveland in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(61 of ) Stephen Curry drives the lane, making the shot and being fouled in the process during the Warriors 93-89 loss to Cleveland in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(62 of ) Stephen Curry muscles it up after driving the lane, making a shot and being fouled in the process during the Warriors 93-89 loss to Cleveland in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(63 of ) LeBron James a careless pass by Draymond Green in the Second Quarter during the Warriors 93-89 loss to Cleveland in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(64 of ) Stephen Curry, middle reacts after committing a foul, from left clockwise Shaun Livingston, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson watch the replay during the second quarter of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(65 of ) Stephen Curry, middle reacts after committing a foul, from left clockwise Shaun Livingston, Draymond Green, LeBron James of Cleveland, and Klay Thompson during the second quarter of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(66 of ) Stephen Curry and Richard Jefferson embrace after the Cavaliers beat the Warriors 93-89 in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(68 of ) Stephen Curry and Draymond Green talk it over in the locker room after being beat by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89 in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Sunday June 19, 2016. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat) 2016

(69 of ) Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James blocks a layup attempt by Golden State Warriors' Andre Iguodala late in the fourth quarter of their game in Oakland on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers 93-89.
(Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Lowell Cohn: What losing the NBA Finals looks like

It is time running out and the score 93-89 against you. It is the Cavaliers rushing at each other and hugging each other on your floor in your house, and you standing there, mere spectators with that sick feeling in your gut, knowing you could have won two championships in a row. But you didn’t.

It is Luke Walton staring at the joyous chaos over there — on the other side — Walton with his hands on his hips, disbelief on his face. It is Steve Kerr, the most optimistic coach, standing at the scorer’s table doing nothing. Just nothing. He is in a state of waiting, as if he expects another quarter, expects the season to continue. Because it always continues and the Warriors always win.

It is assistant coach Ron Adams leaving the floor and walking sadly to the locker room. It is Walton following him. It is the knowledge the Warriors were up on the Cavs 3-1 and blew it. Evaluate that statement any way you want.

The Warriors had an all-time great regular season. You know that. They did not have an all-time great overall season, if winning the championship defines this kind of greatness. And it does. The Warriors did not have a great Game 7, the game they counted on. They did not score in the final 4½ minutes.

This is the look of losing.

It is Stephen Curry, who took bad shots, who turned over the ball, staring at the Cavs’ celebration. Staring at LeBron James, who has taken over the Warriors’ house. Curry standing next to Andre Iguodala, their shoulders slumped. The two of them just staring. They are the excluded.

It is the rim around both backboards still red from time running out, the red rim indicating the Warriors ran out of time. A red reminder. Danger. It is the Warriors, a phenomenal home team, knowing they lost their final two home games.

It is the Warriors’ locker room almost empty of media. The media being with the winners in the Cavs locker room, so noisy and full of champagne and happiness. The Warriors not where the story is. The Warriors an afterthought.

It is Curry now in the locker room with his back to the silent scene. Curry looking at the screen of his phone. What do players look for at a moment like that? What did losers do before cell phones?

It is Curry sitting down in his chair and putting his head in his hands. Looking so young and sad. Head in hands a long time. It is Curry finally standing up and walking through the few media people over to Draymond Green, staring at his own phone.

It is Green seeing Curry. It is Green standing up. The two hug. It is Curry and Green talking softly and shaking their heads, and then Curry walking to the shower to be alone. And staying in there a long time not taking a shower. And walking out again and hitting the tile wall in rage. Or is it resignation?

This is the look of losing.

It is Harrison Barnes — bad game, bad series — sitting in his chair staring into his locker, staring at a mini-cooler filled with Red Bull like someone looking for the truth or a happy ending. After a long time, he puts a towel around his waist and walks quietly to the shower.

Thompson drapes a black towel over his head and stares into his cubicle. The black towel looks like a shroud. Thompson blocks out reality — the reality of the room, the reality of reality.

The media whispers. Whispers define the occasion. Festus Ezeli, who started the game and scored no points and played badly, is dressing on the other side of the room. No one approaches him. Not players. Not media. Everything about him says, “Leave me alone.” He is grieving like there’s been a death in the family.

Curry goes to the interview room. It is what a gentleman does, especially in defeat. Three players remain in the joyless room — Barnes, Ezeli, Anderson Varejao. Andrew Bogut’s jersey, No. 12, lies neatly on his empty chair. He is not around. He is hurt and didn’t play and might have helped. Who knows?

Varejao starts to leave the room. He chucks Barnes on the shoulder but Barnes doesn’t turn around. At 8:30 no players remain. The room contains no presence. It is pure absence. A public-relations man tells the media stragglers it’s time to clear out. What’s the point of staying?

In the hallway, Warriors owner Joe Lacob lingers. It is late but he’s still there. Like a man with nowhere to go. He is talking to a security guard, someone in a uniform who makes sure everyone in that area has a credential. Lacob is talking rapidly to the security guard. He needs to talk to the security guard.

“One minute away from back to back,” Lacob tells the guard, who vigorously shakes his head in agreement.

It is a very long minute that never will return. Lacob is mourning the loss of the minute and the game and the championship and the greatest NBA season ever, now not the greatest NBA season ever, and two championships in a row. Lacob is standing with the security guard in the deserted hallway feeling like hell.

This is the look of losing.

For more on the world of sports in general and the Bay Area in particular, go to the Cohn Zohn at cohn.blogs.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Columnist Lowell Cohn at lowell.cohn@pressdemocrat.com.